The Metropolitan Police has submitted all criminal investigation files regarding the Grenfell Tower fire to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), marking a major milestone in the nine-year inquiry into the disaster.
Investigators have asked prosecutors to consider charges against 54 individuals and 20 companies and organisations following the fire, which claimed 72 lives in North Kensington in June 2017. The submission of these final files on 30 September 2026 follows an exhaustive probe that examined the roles of approximately 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations.
The range of potential offences presented to the CPS is broad, reflecting the complexity of the disaster. Prosecutors are being asked to consider charges of corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, and health and safety offences. Additionally, files have been submitted regarding potential misconduct in public office.
The scale of the evidence is vast. According to the Metropolitan Police, the summary reports alone exceed 12,600 pages, referencing more than 45,000 documents and exhibits.
Charging decisions and trial timeline
The CPS has committed to reaching charging decisions by 14 June 2027, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. Due to the volume of material and the legal complexities involved, any subsequent criminal trials are unlikely to begin before 2029.
The investigation has been one of the most significant and complex in the history of UK law enforcement. While the police have concluded their part of the process by submitting these files, the final decision on who will face trial rests with the CPS, which must determine if there is a realistic prospect of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.
